Why does my cat shiver before going to sleep? It starts when he closes his eyes & stops when he is asleep... and it only seems to happen when he's relaxed. He is very active, eats well, and nothing seems to be a problem except that. Any ideas what it could be?

badger

August 24th, 2007 06:41 AM

Must be like that little shudder that sometimes happens to us just before we fall asleep. No worries.

krdahmer

August 24th, 2007 11:37 AM

Mine do that too... I just figure they think they are falling like I do...:rolleyes:

KeeKee

August 24th, 2007 11:56 AM

Well, it's not just like a quick shudder it can go on for minutes. It's not really noticable but I notice it. And it's almost the same pattern as breathing (breathe in, pause, breath out but it's shiver, pause, then shiver again). Sometimes it doesn't look like shivering, but yet tightening the muscles then relaxing... almost like when people do crunches.

Maybe he's working out? LoL I don't know... I just want to know if it's something worth taking him to the doctor for...

krdahmer

August 24th, 2007 12:00 PM

I'm not sure, I guess if it seems off to you a vet visit is a good idea. Some of my guys really almost look like they are punching or running when they are first sleeping almost like they are having really vivid dreams it;s not always just a quick shudder.

bessie01

January 2nd, 2013 01:26 PM

[QUOTE=KeeKee;468654]Well, it's not just like a quick shudder it can go on for minutes. It's not really noticable but I notice it. And it's almost the same pattern as breathing (breathe in, pause, breath out but it's shiver, pause, then shiver again). Sometimes it doesn't look like shivering, but yet tightening the muscles then relaxing... almost like when people do crunches.

Maybe he's working out? LoL I don't know... I just want to know if it's something worth taking him to the doctor for...[/QUOTE]
I know this is from a long time ago but my message is to Kee Kee. My cat is doing the same exact thing and I was wondering if you ever found out what it was. Thank you!

MaxaLisa

January 3rd, 2013 12:20 AM

I would want to get some bloodwork.

marko

January 3rd, 2013 09:52 AM

Totally just throwing this out there....but some cats purr so subtly that you can barely hear a sound. But if you place a finger under their throats you'll feel the purring vibrations. It is possible this is purring?

If that's not it then it could also be the the involuntary spasms that other members are referring to.